Grab some caffeine, glance through the day’s headlines, check your briefcase and run to the office… Just as a morning routine helps you start a productive day, using a sales process can ensure you make the most of every opportunity to connect with your customers.

While selling around the world, providing training to businesses, or making deals with corporate giants like UPS, I’ve found a process that works in connecting with customers. Whether you’re an experienced sales pro or new to the game, it’s a process you can easily implement and quickly see the results in your bottom line. We all know of the trials of selling in a tough economy. Tough times call for new tools to help you build real relationships!

Why is “Selling Solutions” the right tool? Because it allows you to give customers something they’re looking for – a solution to their problems. You can start the process at any stage, depending on who’s involved. It may take a year to get through it with a new prospect, while others may be ready to make a commitment after two sales calls.

Take a closer look at these 7 steps to selling solutions.

• Build Rapport: get to know them as people.
  
• Establish Interest: grab their attention
  
• Identify Needs: what are their hot buttons?
  
• Offer Solutions: be creative with your product or service
  
• Motivate the Customer: give them a reason to react.
  
• Overcome Objections: identify what needs they still have.
• Gain Commitment: seal the deal.